Perspective...in the Eye and Heart of the Viewer

Last night, I was looking at Facebook and our friend, Lisa, in Lincoln, Nebraska, posted this picture of the green leaf with Little Light dancing on it.  I thought it was an interesting perspective, yet my mind said, "What if the picture was cropped and the details of the water droplets were the total focus?  So I did just that.  It's the same picture...and not.  It demonstrated how two people can see the same thing and yet what you see from their camers/eye/heart is not the same at all.  I wrote to Lisa and asked if she had considered cropping it.  She said no because she liked Little Light at both ends of the leaf.  Then I sent her what I did.  We think each other's picture is 'cool' as she put it.  That is the 'cool' part of the whole process.  We see things differently - we present ourselves and our photos to the world differently, yet we can step back and just say "COOL" - I like how you see this!!

As is often the case, I connect so many of my thoughts and reflections to relationships.  Remember DARE TO AFFIRM: The Dance of Relationships.  Now why can't we all be laid back and open to one another...hey cool - I see it this way; you see it another way.  I respect who you are and am so happy that you respect who I am.  Let's acknowledge that and just move on.
    I love how I can use photography as a metaphor for life - after all isn't it a representation of life in all of its amazing wonder?  My photography, my BE STILL and SEE has been a Journey for me...and I needn't put it in the past tense, because actually, it is and will be an ongoing journey.  I do it with and through my camera, when in actuality, there are times when the camera is at home...or in the car...and I truly understand that I have the CAMERA OF LIFE with me at all time - it's so perfect - my clear vision...my open heart to accept and see all of the beauty of the little things all around us all the time...and the wisdom to accept the world...and people in it for all of their perfections and imperfections.
    I was talking to friend Heather about relationships and she suggested that the word Surrender be considered.  No way I said...that strikes me as a general losing a battle - or the war - and having to give in.  Then this morning she sent me the definition of Surrender from Eckhardt Tolle - and this gave me pause.  I will end today with sharing that message...
   FORGIVE YOURSELF FOR NOT BEING AT PEACE.  THE MOMENT YOU COMPLETELY ACCEPT YOUR NON-PEACE, YOUR NON-PEACE IS TRANSMUTED INTO PEACE.  ANYTHING YOU ACCEPT FULLY WILL GET YOU THERE, WILL TAKE YOU INTO PEACE.  THIS IS THE MIRACLE OF SURRENDER.
                Eckartdt Tolle
and hugs and gratitude to Heather...and her friend Lisa for opening my eyes to seeing the world in yet another different and wonderful way!!

It Only Takes ONE!

It only takes one, though I did lament on the BE STILL and SEE sight that there was only a single water lily in the pond when

we were meandering the grounds at Chanticleer.  What I forgot to mention is that it was Spectacular and Little Light was definitely right there with me dancing with glee!!  I just looked and she lit up the flower.  It said, "Martie here I am in all of my glory!  Don't worry that I am here alone because I am NOT lonely.  I have lots of other friends here with me and anyway, this way, I can be noticed and be outstandinig in the pond!  WOO HOO!"  See, I always say that I wait for the flower to share how she wants to be seen IF at all.  This one did, but there were many pictures I took the other day that were really blurry

I was really surprised to see that Ms. Lily had a baby friend...and then there were the leaves and all of their shadows and reflections.  See I was looking at 'more of the same' when what I had to be still and notice was the diversity in the pond.  Well now - isn't that just like life?  There is so much diversity in the world and that is what makes our environment what it truly is - differences that we can appreciate and value!  Aren't we totally fortunate.  IF there were more water lillies like the one I saw, well, it wouldn't be the same anyway just as none of us is like one another.  The water lily did have a baby friend that we saw just as a big bud on the water - and that too was perfect.  Life is perfect...
Someone just aked me to recommend a camera to them.  I had to write back and say that she was asking the wrong person because she wanted one - not too expensive - where she could change lenses and take pictures with all of the perspectives that I saw.  I said I don't have one of those and never will  - the perspective comes from my head and heart and as the commercials on TV say - maybe for Discover card - well, that is priceless.  Just buy a simple card and go peacefull into the world and BE STILL and SEE.  Someone else said I should teach a class on Stilllife after she saw the butterfly I posted yesterday.  It's NOT about still life either friends.  You need never get tired of hearing me say that it is about BE STILL AND SEE - it is about going out quietly with camera in hand and no expectations, no labels...only a clear intention to be OPEN to see the gifts all around you.  No need to say more?!  Just do it...with an open heart and a clear mind...and an eye that takes in all that is around you.  Don't label...just see!!  It's so simple that you can't make it complex...well, IF you try too hard you can...get the message??  Enjoy!!

Photography and Storytelling: Perfect Together!!

Last month at a photo opening at the Normal Gallery in Glassboro, NJ, we attended an opening for the newest photo exhibit.  As I often do, I asked a simple question:  "How about hanging my pictures sometime?"  Ed, the gallery and frame shop owner said, "Sure Martie.  People know you!"  What had I done??  I leaped and then thought about it afterwards but hey, I like the pictures I take and they are all meaningful and insightful to me.  So I said OK!!  The die was cast and then came the decision of what to display.  Bill and I sorted through and I chose some of my very special pictures.  I love to look at them all and realize that every one of them has a story to tell and PhotoSchmoozer loves to tell stories!!  I decided to make a display card for each picture.  It became meaningful to me as I did it - and as I watched people looking at the pictures at the opening last Friday, I saw that it added meaning and perspective to what they were seeing!
  At one point, I glanced toward the door

and saw this person walking in!  It was Bev - we hadn't visited with one another for at least a few years - only a bit of email contact - but there she was and what a treat!!  I had sent emails to all kinds of people inviting them to join us and that she did!!  We took time to catch up and reconnect.  I realized that out history of friendship has extended for more than 25 years through careers, children, name changes and so much more.  She just connected with yet another one of my friends I haven't seen in years.  Why do I share this story?  For lots of reasons - first of all - as I say - look out for life's synchronicities - dare to take risks - reach out to people and don't believe they are not interested in connecting because they are 'too busy'.  Life is tenuous and needs to be lived day by day - relishing the precious present and all of the gifts we are given.
   Remember too that WE ARE ALL STORYTELLERS and have lots to share with one another - through photography, through conversations and by creating memories!!

Eyes to Their Souls...

It all started out when Friend Bob and I were talking about BE STILL and SEE Photography and how it resonates with us.  "Let's start a group and see who comes?"  First meeting three months ago brought over 20 curious photographers.  In the next few months, there has been a solid core of unique divergent individuals who continue to come together, explore and have FUN together. 
    Friend Bob sparked Emma's interest when he sent out a link about photographing hands.  Emma said that sounded 'cool'.  So we suggested that we needed to play with that at one of our next meetings.  Then Friend David suggested that it was fun to take pictures of all kinds of body parts - well those that are external, easily visible and tasteful, of course!!  Today we met and brought our cameras to see what we could see.
   Hands...feet...eyes...noses...ears...earrings...shoes...the world was wide open and we laughed a lot at what we were all doing.  Our little kids were definitely playing and that was GREAT!!
   I sat and watched everyone, seeing how I could best "SEE" them.  I knew it was their eyes - and after all - isn't that one of the ways that BE STILL happens?  We look with a clear vision and an open heart!  It was fun to put the pictures together and create our group.  Today we decided to continue - to present challenges to one another and to learn and grow and create with one another! 
   It's a great thing to bring together a group of very different people with a common interest - in this case photography in many of its variations - and watch how the group evolves. 

Intentions...and Reality!!

My intention is to write on the Photoschmoozer blog daily - but we know what often happens to intentions...reality sets in - or a different kind of seeing.  When I drive to the pool for warm water exercise ( a perfect event in itself) I pass a big pond and there is a fake swan and a fountain oh and a rowboat on the shore.  The other day, I noticed the pond was full of lily pads.  I never quite noticed them before so I made plans to stop by.  I finally did and just got lost in the stillness of the environment (even though I was right next to the busy road!)  Often makes me wonder why people don't just stop and see - they are too busy getting somewhere?!? for something 'important'.   Hey I am retired - whatever that means - and as I say, this state of being is somewhat like a permanent vacation.  The lily pads and the yellow buds make me relate that to life.  They hang out, look pretty, and float along with the currents.  Not too shabby huh??  Now if we could only be more like the lily pads, the water and the blossoms.  BUT for so many of us (me often included) we want to KNOW what is going on. We want to know what we are MEANT to do - and we forget that a big piece of us is MEANT TO BE!!   It's a BE STILL thing, friends - we have to be quiet and go within to find out what is to be...all of the answers are within us - it's just tough to believe in and trust that!!

   Recently, related to life and relationships, I have tried to look at the days and people differently.  For me it is all about EXPECTATIONS - and the possibilities.  I just said to someone that if I could pick a middle name, it would be Possibility!!  I dream about the what ifs and that brings me joy.  The challenge with that is that when my expectations are not fulfilled and reality sets in, I become disappointed and even though Don Miguel Ruiz tells us in The Four Agreements not to take it personally, well...another of life's learning lessons.  What is wrong with me - what did I do wrong - that responsibility comes from the oldest child and needing to make things 'right'!   So many challenges and lessons to be learned and don't you know, we get those lessons OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAINI til maybe, just maybe one day, the aha will really come and wisdom will be achieved.  To be wished! 

Then the other day, I got drawn into this beauty in our garden!  We visited and I was still with her...and she shared her splendor.  Friends, IF I had worried about the technicalities of the camera and photography, I would not have been still enough to see the magnificence of this gift.  HEY - a thought just crossed my mind...all related to the BE STILL and SEE stuff.  Isn't life the same way.  I just shared with a friend that we can't seek the answers/solutions from anywhere but the stillness within us.  So life...my photography...learning...they are all intertined...there are only synchronicities, lessons and possibilities!  We have to be still and NOT seek  out answers in a determined, planned way.  Just brings so much more peace when we can BE!  So today, I am taking a friend to the doctor's in Philadephia and we are meeting early and heading to the city just to BE and SEE!  Hmmm wonder what is across the bridge for us?!?!?

Trying Tooooooo Hard...NOT a Still Way to BE

This morning I tried toooooooooo hard and it felt awful!!  I write so much about BEING STILL - just going out with the camera...or not...and today I sat at my computer and looked out in the garden.  I KNEW I had to go and take pictures of flowers!  OMG - how against my rules!!  I had a label attached to what I was doing.  I had my brain limiting possibilities to those things we call flowers.  I was intent on taking the 'perfect' picture of the blue iris.  Geez, she didn't want to share herself with me.  To my eye, that iris looked light purple.  In the camera it was a strange blue.  Couldn't get it right...couldn't get Little Light to shine as I WISHED - and couldn't get the shot!!  Clear message yet I didn't get it...yet.  I sat and began thinking about what I needed to change in the camera to get it right!?!  There are those words...again.  Was it the ISO - did I need to do something with the fstop...and I just felt myself getting more and more agitated!  Did I need to go and buy a SLR 'big guys' camera?  WHAT?? WHAT??

    Finally I went out front and sat on the wall - settling down and just looking.  Oh take a breath and have gratitude for the quiet morning - the sun - the breezes - well maybe the wind at times - and BE STILL Martie!!  Thanks for that message.  I looked to my left and there lay the little iris.  It was there watching me and waiting for me to notice it rather than it's big blue momma~~Lovely.  An aside - these iris were given to us when we were first married.  They have been transported to each house we have lived in and are just so lovely and delicate.  There used to be white ones as well, but the purple are stronger!  Just are.

Then I turned my head to the other side and here is the gift I saw.  Talk about contemplative photography - talk about simplicity - talk about just seeing what is!! 

HAVE I LEARNED MY LESSON YET??

When the distress comes, I have to STOP and WAIT and SEE.  It's about the process and NOT the product of taking the perfect picture.  Life is everchanging - and lessons come to us all the time IF we are STILL enough and aware enough to pay attention.  Finally I was!!

Be ALL That You Can Be!!

 When "Little Barbara" was very small, she was bright and curious - speaking early and a lot - asking questions and curious.  She heard, "Why do you have to know everything?  Why do you ask so many questions?  Over the years, that expanded to "Why do you have to talk to everyone?"  After awhile, it made her feel that somehow what she was doing wasn't quite right.  She settled for 'creative' activities like jigsaw puzzles and paint by number.  That lasted for years!!  Creativity ----NOT!

Then she married this guy who challenged her to try things - what can you lose - if it doesn't turn out 'right', you can always throw it away!  The little girl who was often fearful to step outside of the box and try something on her own, began to be a student of creating but very slowly!!  It started with crewel work and counted cross stitch, a bit of writing and gardening. Of course, 'she' is me!!

 About 7 years ago, after I had been taking pictures for awhile and enjoyed playing with the camera...I saw a continuing ed course offered at the local community college - Creative Photography.  Why?  Why not??  Here I quickly joined a group of people who 'wanted to know how to use their cameras'.  Bob, the jovial instructor suggested that they get out their manuals and it would be most helpful!  Barbara - who has since become MARTIE - didn't need that because I had my husband to help with my questions.  WHAT MARTIE REALLY LEARNED...I had more of a gift to SEE and realized that my camera brought me a quiet stillness that was so right...what I also realized is that the Technical part of using the camera and understanding photography didn't matter to me - what was important was BEING STILL and SEEING the beauty in the world.  WOW!!  And when challenged to do a self portrait for the class...I slowly began to set myself free.

There's more to the story - lots more and a lot of Lessons Learned as I have been making transitions into 'retirement' - whatever that is!!  Some say that I need to take courses and workshops and channel my energy.  They might be right, but right now, it's more important to BE STILL and SEE - be aware of what is all around and pay attention of life's synchronicities.  Maybe if I were to try too hard to 'find my purpose', I would miss the gifts that flow into my 

life everyday.   Here's the new ME - my crazy quilt Guardian Angel - she has introduced herself to me as Filaree and is totally light and joyful!!  There are always quiet purposes - and as my friend Allison and I were talking today, everything we do is meaningful.  We just have to BELEIVE it!!

 

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!

Yesterday, it was time to take my photography show down from the month long display at the Heggan Library in Washington Township Library in South Jersey.  It was a success for the number of people who viewed it and the comments received.  I have always said I would be a millionaire if positive affirmations for my photography were cash.  Well, Bill and I talked about just that last night.  Why do I do photography?  Why do you do photography?  IF it is to make a living, it is definitely a challenge.  IF it is to see the beauty in your world and record and share it, then you are indeed a wealthy individual!! 

I looked across the road as I drove out of the library and here was the gift I was given - along with the message of BE STILL AND SEE and bring JOY!  What a gift of being able to be in the precious present.  I pulled right over, got out of the car and watched until I could see what my camera and I could capture.  Here it is - and it has been well received on Facebook!!

It's all about LETTING MY LIGHT SHINE...and indeed finding peace in that way of being.  NO, I never said it was easy - there is a lot to let go of in order to be at peace with a Zen/present time philosophy - no worrying about relationships - no stress caused by that worry but turning it all over to the Universe and being patient to see how it all evolves!!   Truth be told!!

Patterns of Life!

Sometimes something or someone comes along and strikes your fancy and you realize that all is right with your world!!  This happened when I got an email from friend, Bob, sharing info about International Photography Exposition in Wilmington, DE, sponsored by the Delaware Photographic Society.  There are hundreds of photos on display from all over the world - nature, human interest, landscapes, sports, abstract, photojournalism and ... I joined the organization and then went to a workshop last night with Joshua Taylor (www.joshuataylorphotography.com ) as the speaker.  He was talking about walking through the garden gate - nature and landscape photography.  I so totally resonated with his words - spoken from his heart - and as I reflected on why, I realized he feels about photography as I do!!  It's about SEEING and noticing all of the little details and patterns.  I use my camera and my eye in the same way.  I stop and really look at what is in front of me - and not necessarily the 'whole' but the fascinating pieces that make the whole.  I see life as pieces of a jigsaw puzzle floating in front of me...and that is how photography is too.  When something fits together - WOW - if not...well, they are there and will fit when the time is right!  I created this collage from a series of pictures at Grounds for Sculpture a summer or two ago.  Wandering the grounds is always a treat.  So thanks to Josh - a new teacher/mentor - and a dancer in life's Dance of Relationships - and he has a DARE to AFFIRM pin too!!  So go out in your world - just stop - and notice.  The other thing - you don't have to wait for Spring and colors - there are always things to notice and patterns all around you in all weather!!  Sunny days the only 'good' light for taking pictures?  Absolutely not...how about fog and mist and clouds and patterns from the rain??  Happy day...life is our gift...with gratitude!!

Reflections on a Winter's Day

There are at least two ways to look at a winter's day...
    1. Oh no it is snowing again!! (and we have had precious little)
    2. Look at the beauty in the gifts that we receive from Mother Nature daily.
     I choose the latter ...I see beauty and reflections and these give me pause to reflect on my own life - and the people in it.  I think about people who have not a minute or the energy to pick up the phone and simply say "how are you" and then those who care - are present - and take the time to reach out.  Which are you???    I am often disappointed and discouraged by the 'too busy' people - 'best friends' and close family members in the mix!  As I reflect on it all I have to consider lowering my expectations?!?
   I often hear, "You don't understand.  I am really busy."..yaddah yaddah...you know the song/dance routine.  Sends me into thoughts and feelings of how I am valued - feelings of less importance in some lives...and more often than not.
I just read that next week is National Kindness Week - will it make a real difference in the world?  It's like Christmas - or the CT shootings - people stop a bit and 'come together' and are kind and compassionate to one another - and then life comes back.  DARE to AFFIRM - Catch Them Doing Something Right is what I choose to be all about.  My glasses will stay rose colored...always wishing and hoping...always caring...sometimes too much!  Today I go out and about once more to see the beauty we are gifted with!!

Simplicity, Priorities and Beauty

Well hello there!!  It's been awhile but now it is a New Year - not a time to make resolutions that will be no more in a few weeks, but a time to stop and be still - think about the beauty and simpllicity of life - and consider priorities that are meaningful to body, mind and spirit!  Years ago, I took a Photography course - creative photography I do believe.  One night, the discussion was about ISO, fstops and everything related.  At that point, I understood what mattered to me and it was NOT the technicalities of life but the clear vision.  I took off my glasses, laid them on the desk and looked at the world through different eyes.  Here at the beginning of 2013, I am doing that once again.  I have come to understand who I am...who I choose to be...and see the effect "ME" has on different people.  Some want to be in my 'energy' and some say they can't trust me - WOW - I am the same person - the perceptions are so diverse.  Sure there are still times that I wish everyone could/would like me, but my lesson for this year is NOT understanding, but acceptance of what is.  Without my glasses, my world can be blurred - but sometimes that is a wonderful realilty and life is good!! 

Reflections of Joy and Curiosity!

Photoschmoozer - capturing life's moments - one story at a time - it is a total joy to go out into the world and meet people and listen to their stories - it is a joy to do the volunteer work that I am for the Pitman Farm Market - yet at some point, it is also time to STOP and think of self and reflect on life - what brings me happiness - what encourages me to self expression - what brings me peace?!?!?

Lately I have been putting my own self and spirit aside for the sake of getting things done to make the market happen - OK - it's fun and a great way to network, connect people and make things happen.  But then, give pause.  Yesterday something happened to do just that.  I got an email from buddy, Bob, sharing the Artists of Southern New Jersey.  WHAT is that?  WHO is that?  I called since I hadn't heard Bob's voice in awhile and we talked about the group and then Contemplative Photography and Miksang.  This conversation gave me pause - and a quiet joy - to remember my inner being and what makes me totally appreciate life and the beauty of the simplicity of the world - and by that I mean the world in my immediate life - the pen on the desk - listening to the birds sing - sitting here watching the day wake up - the flowers in my garden - and just my breath!  It's a spirit of renewal and one that has been eluding me...until now.  Reflections of self in the mirror with the camera - reflections of life in the stillness of my being!!

SHOES~~ SHOES~~~ SHOES~~~ TAKE THE FIRST STEP!

COMING BY SPRING!!!  So many things are popping!  Remember I have shared here before about SHOES and my fascination with people's choices??  Well have I shared with you that I have close to 1200 pictures of feet and shoes?  Have I shared my thoughts about Unity and Diversity related to shoes??  Have I shared about my friend Tony and The Journey  (http://www.ijlife.com/ )  Maybe I have - maybe you have forgotten.  But I talked with Tony about shoes - and my photos - and his love of music and composing came front and center.  He is about finished with a song about SHOES - will combine my photography, his musical skills and the voices of some really fantastic musical artists!!  In addition, since I am Photoschmoozer and Art cards/prints are my 'thing' - there will be a line of Art cards - maybe they will be called Uniquely You - Express Yourself - or another name - watch for the launch in early Spring!!  Always keep your eyes and ears open for the synchronicities of life and talk to folks because who knows what will come of it all~~

66 and Celebrating! Photoschmoozer steps out!!!

 LIFE is a celebration and each year as my birthday come about, I know that I have so much to be thankful for...and so many 'riches' in my life from my family, friends and what I love doing in life!!  This year, I decided to have a show at the McCowan Library in Pitman - a celebration of me and my art - and to have a grand opening!!  It was a special time!!  I always have a special thanks to 'my guy' for all of his love and support - Bill is always there for me - hey 40 years and counting!!  And the flowers from Jon made us feel like he was in the room with us!!

 This year TonyZony came into my life with The Journey (http://www.ijlife.com/, code MM99)  I listen to this very special CD - meditation and body relaxation- but so much more - a way to be still (my favorite Photoschmoozer theme) and discover so much about self!! It's so much about life and inner awareness.   Conni~Joi, Spirit of Joi - is also traveling on her life's journey and will soon be launching a song called The River - written by Tony and performed by her.  They came to celebrate with JOI!!  She is so talented in so many ways and has been striving to recognize and realize all of her gifts!

Here is some of the display that I created for the celebration and for the public.  I have come to realize that one is wealthy with the affirmations and compliments for my work.  I see, I create and I bring JOY to people's lives.  If/when they choose to take some home for their walls - well - that is good too!!  The show will be hanging for at least a month - and then I am beginning to think of another!! 

LIFE is so meant to be lived each and every day!  Hmmmmm I wonder what today will bring - another pink sky for daybreak - sunshine - love - yoga - and the spontaneous joy that comes from life's surprises - remember I call them synchronicities - be awake, be aware and pay attention!!

Celebrating Another Year of Life!!

This morning I awoke thinking about Photoschmoozer, life and photography.  I wondered how long it had been since I first met Bob Reid and joined his photography class at Gloucester County college.  I was amused when I thought it was about 3 years and then thought about this photo - I did this for a self-portrait when I took the class - and that was when I was celebrating turning 60!!  Now, for my 65th I had a drum circle celebration at Bus Stop Music Cafe and now for my 66th - welcome in Social Security - I am going to have a Photography exhibit at the Pitman library.  I am planning a "Meet the Artist" Celebration and what a perfect time for it - 11/21~~  Another fantastic birthday celebration!!  Happy Days Martie!!  You Go Girl!!!   Hmmmm wonder what I would do for a self-portrait today - 6 years later?  Hmmmmmmmmmm.......

What Total Synchronicity- Fearless and Free Flies in Costa Rica!!

Yesterday I posted pictures from the Grounds for Sculpture that I called Fearless and Free- the visual representation of a conversation I have been having with my dear friend, Lois about life's journey.  The sculpture was so perfect as a reminder of the rapture of JOY.  This morning, in my mailbox, arrived this picture. There are several beautiful insights here that need paying attention to:

1. I just brought home the 12th Insight by James Redfield. I found the CDs and the book at the library yesterday.  Last night, I began reading it and of course, you guessed it - it was totally about synchronicity!!   First clue - discovering the materials

2.  This morning, Lois sent me a photograph that so reminded her of the Fearless and Free photo- no accident that she has just returned from a 'life changing' retreat to Costa Rica and now has this picture to share that someone took!!

I am totally thrilled and awed by the synchronicities that life offers us.  Redfield writes that we need to sloooooooow down and these life changing events will come to us. More and more, I am aware of these messages and hope that I can encourage you to get aboard the Synchronicity train!!!

Fearless and Free with a Dollop of Joyous Rapture!!

Lois is my synchronistic friend. (Well, if I reflect clearly on that statement, isn't every one of my friends a synchronistic one??) We first met years ago at Christina Pirello's cooking intensive and have continued our dance of relationships in a variety of ways- now we are acknowledging that photography is another of the paths we are to share!!  The other day, we were talking about life's goals - the wish to be completely fearless and free. Next day, we sweltered as we walked the Grounds for Sculpture seeking yet more wonderful 'perfect' sculptures to photograph. One of my classmates had done photos of a ballerina and my quest was to discover her. I took pictures from many angles, but as I was looking at them, Fearless and Free jumped right out to offer me a clear message. I share her here as I have done already with my Facebook friends. She is me...I am she...who I am and what I am growing into!!

This is the companion piece to Fearless and Free. I call her Joyous Rapture-maybe Bliss- a pleasure!! You can choose the best feeliing that comes to your mind as you are still and view this picture. My greatest wish is that you take the time and receive her message. It's what we so need to do - take the time to stop, notice and reflect on the message that comes to us. It's so hot right now - stopping for moments of quietude is just what we need on a mid Summer's day.  Please heed my advice and offer yourself the gift of the Precious Present!!

This is the Fearless and Free photo. If I were totally savy with the computer, she would be back at the beginning where she belongs...but, the joy is that she is here!!

Rita's Donut...Martie's Photo Diet!!

Tonight was an experience. Buddies Bob and Chuck are teaching a photography class at Gloucester County College here in south Jersey. My friends Rita and her husband Al are in the class. Well, I did not sign up for this 3 credit class because it was to be tooooooooooooo technical, and if you have been reading my blog, you will know how I truly feel about the technicalities of photography. Anyhow, I decided to go and visit the class tonight, see friends and, well, maybe even learn something!! (I did...shutter speed and Picasa 3!) I am telling you all of this and you are wondering ...well then, why in the world does she have a picture of a partially eaten donut on this blog?!? Here's the story. Bob brought a HUGE box of all kinds of donuts - iced, filled, plain- some covered with powered sugar and...can't tell you more because I did not even approach the box! WHY you ask? If I am to be healthy and live to 100 like the people in the books I am reading, then sugar and wheat are NO NOs!! Instead I decided that the best approach for me would be the PHOTO DIET!! Here it is. When I want to eat, what I must do instead is pick up my camera (my diet buddy perhaps??) and take pictures. Tonight was the first lesson in this process. Rita took some bites and then I asked her to put her donut in front of me. I turned on the camera, set the Super Macro and had FUN! It was even more fun than eating the donut! Maybe, just maybe, I have started something new! Try it and see how it works for you.

WELCOME My Friends!!

For me, today is a new beginning. It is the birth of "The Photo Schmoozer" , my new persona, and I am excited to present this concept to you, my friends. In November, 2007 (only 8 short months ago) I signed up for a Creative Photography class at Gloucester County College here in southern NJ. I had been a vacation snapshot person and wanted to discover what else I could add to my world. The instructor was lively, the group was welcoming and I began to develop my own identity within the photography world. The camera I took to class I call Baby Fuji", fx31, a compact point & shoot pocket camera . It fits in my pocket and has always been there for me. This began an eye opening relationship and love affair with my world. I have always been joyous, exuberant and curious, but somehow with the camera, I saw differently and more. I looked at everything and everyone around me as a potential subject. WOW!

Now I was seeing through mulitple lenses:

1. The lens of my eye

2. The lenses of my glasses (been wearing them since I was 9!!)

3. The lens of my camera

4. The lens of my heart...my intuition

5. The lens of my experiences

and the filters of my experiences and perceptions of people and my world.

Within weeks, I quickly discovered that "technical stuff" like ISO, aperture, depth of field, etc. made me weary, my eyes blur, and my mind fuzzy. (Thus the first picture on this blog...what I did during a technical discussion - took off my glasses so I could have "clear vision" from my heart! ) I wanted to see and to see things differently! This was my gift to me. We saw a video in class with DeWitt Jones, a National Geographic photographer, and I got this message: BE OPEN TO ALL OF THE POSSIBILITIES, and when you think you have exhausted them, turn around and there are more!! The world is a wide open "studio".

Throughout my professional career as a teacher and workshop facilitator, I realized that I had a gift of guiding people to discover themselves and recognize the special individuals that they are. For me, it was easy. I simply "schmoozed" and empowered people to feel good about themselves. Others have shared that they are "scared to death"! What do I mean by schmoozing??? Here are some of my thoughts and I would guess that you have more to add. Together we will build the definition.
1. Actively and intentionally engaging people in relationship building
2. Asking good questions and then LISTENING
3. Making it easy to get in touch
4. Conversing casually/chatting idly
5. Using myself and the camera as a "friend maker"
I have taken to extending this schmoozing to my photography. How do I do this? That is the focus (no pun intended) of this new blog. I want to share some of my photo adventures and how I "dance" with people and tell people's stories. I want to ask you to share yourself and your skills as well. I find that most people, if approached respectfully, love to be flattered, have their pictures taken, and share their stories! It makes them feel worthwhile.
As the days go on, we will talk about building relationships, how to listen, how to approach people with body language and words, how to gather and share people's stories and... on and on. I believe that this forum will only be limited to the energy and creativity that I and YOU, my friends, put into this.

My main forum for picture posting is Flickr ( I use the name "daretoaffirm", also my consulting business www.daretoaffirm.com ) and I have met many friends from around the world who share my same philosophies of "be still" and engage people. We are all story tellers. My wish is that we ALL facilitate each other's learning. No one is a teacher but we are all mentors and facilitators of learning. We are ALL experts in our own special ways.

Post your comments or send your picture and words in an email and I will make sure that this gets out to the world. catchthemright@aol.com

My wish...this is new, so let's be patient, open and understanding with each other as we go forward on this adventure together.